DFL decides when to be partisan in Senate

Posted at 5:56 PM on January 16, 2007 by Tim Pugmire

It could have been a flare up of partisan disharmony on the floor of the Minnesota Senate today, but DFL leaders wielded their control over decorum like a six-inch fire hose to quickly extinguish the spark.

Sen. Ray Vandeveer , R- Forest Lake, rose to ask a provocative question of Senate majority leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis.

"I've had some constituents calling me and asking me questions, Vandeveer said. "They're of the opinion that the Senate announced the need for a number of tax increases one week, and then gave themselves a big increase the next. Now I know that probably isn't exactly what happened, but I'm wondering what I should tell them about that and if you have any suggestions first of all?"

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee voted last week to increase the maximum daily expense checks for meals and incidental costs, also known as per diem, from $66 to $96. The week before, DFL leaders introduced a package of legislation that included proposed increases in the sales tax and gas tax.

Vandeveer served five terms in the Minnesota House. This is his first term in the Senate. Pogemiller turned the question into a learning moment.

"Typically what you're doing right now is something that's not done in the Senate," Pogemiller said. "That's more what they do in the House. And I would not presume to suggest to you how to talk to your constituents."

Vandeveer countered by saying he would be more comfortable if the full Senate voted on the per diem increase. He asked Pogemiller for procedural advise. None was offered. The Senate then adjourned.

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